Bennie Ellender
Bennie Ellender Jr. was an American college football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Arkansas State University from 1963 to 1970 and at Tulane University from 1971 to 1975, compiling a career college football record of 79–49–4.
Ellender led the Arkansas State [Red Wolves football|Arkansas State program] to three consecutive Pecan Bowl games, which was one of the regional bowl games set up for the NCAA College Division to choose a champion. His 1970 team finished 11–0 and was ranked #1 in the final polls, earning his team the NCAA [Division II Football Championship|College Division championship]. Ellender was selected AFCA [Coach of the Year#College Division (1960–1982)|AFCA College Division Coach of the Year] following the season. After the 1970 season, Ellender left ASU to become head football coach at his alma mater, Tulane.